Apparatus for and method of synthesizing image

ABSTRACT

A desired template image is selected, and a subject image is synthesized at a predetermined position on the selected template image. Template image data, mask image data corresponding to the template image data, and image information are pre-stored in an image synthesizer. When a user selects a desired template image by the screen of a display, mask image data representing a mask image corresponding to the selected template image and synthesis information are obtained. A subject image which a user has also selected on the screen is then synthesized at a predetermined position on the template image using the template image data, the mask image data and the synthesis information, and a resultant composite image is displayed and printed.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/736,727,filed on Oct. 25, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,637, the entire contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference and for which priority isclaimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120; and this application claims priority ofApplication No. 8-35781 and 8-216985 filed in Japan on Jan. 31, 1996 andJul. 31, 1996, respectively under 35 U.S.C. § 119.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for and a method ofsynthesizing a subject image on a template image, to produce a compositeimage.

2. Background Art

As a digital image technique has been developed, it has been possible toread a picture taken by a user through a scanner to accept and retainthe picture as digital image data in a personal computer. It is alsopossible to accept a plurality of images in the personal computer andsynthesize the images within the personal computer.

However, operations for such image synthesis are still difficult for anunexperienced person and a beginner of the personal computer. Therefore,a technique capable of achieving image synthesis relatively simply hasbeen desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to perform operations for imagesynthesis relatively simply.

An image synthesizer according to the present invention is characterizedby comprising a template image data storage (means) previously storingtemplate image data representing a template image which is a backgroundimage of a subject image to be synthesized, a mask image data storage(means) storing mask image data representing a mask image correspondingto the template image for defining a synthesis position and the size ofa synthesis area of the subject image to be synthesized on the templateimage, and an image synthesis processor or means for putting the subjectimage represented by fed subject image data in the synthesis positionand the synthesis area, which are defined by the mask image data storedin the mask image data storage, on the template image stored in thetemplate image data storage, to produce a composite image.

The present invention also provides an image synthesizing method.Specifically, the image synthesizing method according to the presentinvention is characterized by comprising the steps of previously storingtemplate image data representing a template image which is a backgroundimage of a subject image to be synthesized and mask image datarepresenting a mask image corresponding to the template image fordefining a synthesis position and the size of a synthesis area of thesubject image to be synthesized on the template image, and putting thesubject image represented by fed subject image data in the synthesisposition and the synthesis area, which are defined by the mask imagedata, on the template image previously stored, to produce a compositeimage.

According to the present invention, the template image data and the maskimage data are previously stored. When the subject image datarepresenting the subject image to be synthesized is fed, the subjectimage represented by the subject image data is positioned in thesynthesis position defined by the mask image, to obtain the compositeimage. The subject image to be synthesized is merely positioned in thesynthesis position, whereby the composite image can be producedrelatively simply even by a user who is unaccustomed to operating apersonal computer.

Data representing the produced composite image may be stored in astorage medium. The composite image can be displayed or printed byreading out the data representing the composite image stored in thestorage medium.

Template image data for image display and template image data forprinting having higher resolution than the resolution of the templateimage data for image display may be previously stored, and mask imagedata for image display and mask image data for printing having higherresolution than the resolution of the mask image data for image displaymay be previously stored. At this time, the image synthesis processorproduces a composite image for image display based on the storedtemplate image data for image display, the stored mask image data forimage display, and the fed subject image data when image synthesis forimage display is achieved, while producing a composite image forprinting based on the stored template image data for printing, thestored mask image data for printing, and the fed subject image data whenimage synthesis for printing is achieved.

In this case, the composite image for image display will be displayed ona display device, and the composite image for printing will be printed.

When high-quality printing of the composite image is done, image datahaving high resolution is required. On the other hand, sufficiently highresolution to be required for printing is not generally required fordisplay. If only image data having high resolution exists, thinningprocessing of the image data is required for display. Consequently,image display cannot be quickly made. If image data conforming to theresolution of the display device is used, quick display is madepossible, while high-quality image printing cannot be expected.

Since the template image data for image display and the template imagedata for printing as well as the mask image data for image display andthe mask image data for printing are previously stored, to perform imagesynthesis processing using various data for image display when the imagedisplay is made, while using various data for printing when the printingis done, quick image display and high-quality printing can be realized.

In this case, it is preferable that the subject image is positioned inorder to produce the composite image for printing using positioninginformation used for positioning the subject image in order to producethe composite image for image display, to produce the composite imagefor printing.

Consequently, the composite image for printing can be quickly produced.

When there is subject image data representing a plurality of subjectimages, and there are a plurality of synthesis positions of the subjectimage which are defined by the mask image represented by the stored maskimage data, the subject image selected out of the plurality of subjectimages represented by the fed subject image data may be positioned inthe synthesis position selected out of the plurality of synthesispositions, to perform image synthesis processing.

In a case where the template image data previously stored represents aplurality of kinds of template images, the mask image data alsorepresents a plurality of kinds of mask images in correspondence to theplurality of kinds of template images, the subject image represented bythe fed subject image data is put at a position, which is defined by themask image corresponding to the template image selected out of theplurality of kinds of template images, on the template image, to producea composite image.

Consequently, the composite image can be produced upon positioning theplurality of subject images on one template image.

Character image data representing a character may be inputted, and theinputted character may be further synthesized on the composite image.

Synthesis information including the size of the subject image which canbe synthesized on the template image may be previously stored incorrespondence to the template image data, and it may be judged whetheror not the subject image represented by the fed subject image data isnot of the size which can be synthesized, to notify, when it is judgedthat the subject image is not of the size which can be synthesized, thejudgment.

When the size of the subject image to be synthesized on the templateimage is smaller than the size of the synthesis area defined by the maskimage, a white edge or a black edge is formed on the composite image.When the synthesis information is previously stored, and it is judgedthat the subject image is not of the size which can be synthesized, thejudgment is notified. Even when the size of the subject image to besynthesized on the template image is smaller than the size of thesynthesis area defined by the mask image, therefore, a white edge or ablack edge can be prevented from being formed on the composite image.

The image synthesizer can be provided with an image medium reader forreading a subject image recorded on a visible image medium andoutputting an image signal representing the subject image. In this case,image synthesis processing will be performed using image data generatedfrom the subject image signal outputted from the image medium reader.The visible image medium means a medium on which an image capable ofbeing seen is displayed, for example, a picture, a film (including botha negative film and a positive film) or a poster.

Since the image synthesizer is provided with the image medium reader,the user can synthesize, using as a subject image a desired image on thevisible image medium, the image.

The image synthesizer may be provided with a digital medium reader forreading from a digital medium the subject image data and outputting theread subject image data. In this case, image synthesis processing willbe performed using the subject image data outputted from the digitalmedium reader. The digital medium means a medium on which digital datarepresenting an image is recorded, for example, a magnetic disk, anoptical disk, or a memory card.

Since the image synthesizer is provided with the digital medium reader,the user can synthesize, using as a subject image a desired image storedin the digital medium, the image.

The image synthesizer may be provided with an image memory, and thesubject image signal outputted from the image medium reader may be DMA(Direct Memory Access)-transferred to the image memory at a transferspeed which is higher than the output speed of the subject image signaloutputted from the image medium reader. The subject image data stored inthe image memory is fed to the image synthesis processor.

Since the image medium reader need not be provided with a buffer memoryfor transferring the subject image signal, the cost can be reduced. Thesubject image signal outputted from the image medium reader can bedirectly transferred to the image memory in the image synthesizer,whereby the high-speed transfer of the subject image signal can berealized.

The image medium reader can be constructed using a line sensor forreading the image from the visible image medium and outputting thesubject image signal, and a conveying device for relatively conveyingthe visible image medium and the line sensor. When the image mediumreader is thus constructed, the image synthesizer is provided with aline sensor driver for controlling the output of the subject imagesignal from the line sensor, and a controller or control means forcontrolling the conveying device and the line sensor driver so that thetransfer speed of the subject image signal outputted from the linesensor is maintained lower than the write speed of the subject imagesignal to the image memory.

The conveyance speed in a case where the visible image medium and theimaging device are relatively conveyed may be relatively low. Theconveying device can be constructed using a relatively low-cost motor,whereby the cost can be reduced.

An advanced new photographic film comprising a long narrow strip-shapedinformation recording portion composed of a transparent magneticmaterial has been proposed. Various information (film information, frameinformation, etc.) can be magnetically recorded in addition to images onthe photographic film. Further, optical information (for example,information representing the size of an image by bar codes or thepresence or absence of points) can be also recorded on the photographicfilm. The image medium reader for reading an image appearing on thephotographic film will be a film scanner for reading from thephotographic film with the information recording portion at least one ofmagnetically recorded information and optically recorded information andan image appearing on the film. Consequently, image synthesis using animage recorded on the advanced photographic film having the informationrecording portion is also made possible.

Furthermore, the advanced photographic film having the informationrecording portion is accommodated in a cartridge so as to be capable ofbeing drawn out even after development in consideration of handling.

When the photographic film after the development is accommodated in thecartridge so as to be capable of being drawn out, the image mediumreader comprises a cartridge container for containing the cartridge, acover formed on the cartridge container, a containment detector fordetecting that the cartridge is contained in the cartridge container,cover a closing controller or control means for closing the cover inresponse to the detection by the containment detector, and a filmdrawing device for drawing the film out of the cartridge in response tothe closing of the cover by the cover closing controller.

The image for each frame and the information are read from the filmdrawn out by the film drawing device.

When the cartridge in which the photographic film is accommodated iscontained in the cartridge container, the cover is closed upon detectionof the containment. When the cover is closed, the photographic film isdrawn out of the cartridge, whereby the image recorded on thephotographic film is read.

When the cartridge is contained, the cover is closed. Even if thephotographic film is drawn out of the cartridge, therefore, thephotographic film can be protected from dust, dirt, or the like. It maybe detected on the basis of a command from the user that the cartridgein which the photographic film is accommodated is contained in thecartridge container.

In another mode of the present invention, the image synthesizer isfurther provided with an image reader for reading a subject imagerecorded on a visible image medium and outputting an image signalrepresenting the subject image in order to generate subject image datato be fed to the image synthesis processor. The template image datastorage, the mask image data storage, the image synthesis processor andthe image reader are contained in one housing.

Since a lot of components of the image synthesizer including the imagereader are contained in one housing, it is sufficient to handle thehousing only. Therefore, the installation of the image synthesizer andthe other handling are easy. The image synthesizer is suitably installedin various stores.

In still another mode, the image reader is contained in a case and isformed as a unit. The case is provided with a first connector. On theother hand, a recess for containing the case of the image reader isformed in the housing, and the recess is provided with a secondconnector. The case of the image reader is contained in the recess ofthe housing so as to be attachable and detachable, whereby the firstconnector and the second connecter are connected to each other so as tobe attachable and detachable.

Since the image reader is formed as a unit, and is contained in thehousing so as to be attachable and detachable, the maintenance of theimage reader (for example, the replacement of a light source and othermembers, and the cleaning of a magnetic head and other members) becomeseasy. Further, when the image reader develops a fault, the fault can bequickly coped with by replacing the whole unit.

Preferably, a cover for closing the recess of the housing is attached tothe housing so as to be attachable and detachable.

One example of the image reader is film scanner for reading from anadvanced photographic film with an information recording portion atleast one of magnetically recorded information and optically recordedinformation and an image appearing on the film.

In a further mode, the image reader is a film scanner for reading froman advanced photographic film accommodated in a cartridge so as to becapable of being drawn out an image appearing on the photographic filmand outputting an image signal representing the image. The imagesynthesizer is provided with a display device for displaying the imagerepresented by the image signal outputted from the film scanner. Thefilm scanner is provided with a containing recess for containing thecartridge, and is provided with a first cover for closing an opening ofthe containing recess. An indication that the first cover should beclosed upon containing the cartridge in the containing recess is givenon the display device.

Consequently, the user can know the handling of the image synthesizer byseeing the display device for image display, whereby it is not necessaryto separately guide and instruct the user.

When there is provided a housing for containing the film scanner, anopening is provided at a position corresponding to the containing recessof the housing, and a second cover for closing the opening is provided.An indication relating to the opening or closing of the second cover isgiven on the display device.

More preferably, there are further provided a device for opening orclosing the second cover, and a device for entering a command relatingto the opening or closing of the second cover. The opening or closingdevice opens or closes the second cover in response to the entry of thecommand from the entering device after giving the indication on thedisplay device. Consequently, the opening or closing of the cover can beautomated, whereby the user may merely enter an opening or closingcommand.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an advanced new photographic film with an informationrecording portion;

FIG. 2 illustrates a format of data recorded on the informationrecording portion;

FIG. 3 illustrates a part of a camera capable of handling the advancednew photographic film with an information recording portion;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the whole of an image synthesizerand a display device and a printer which are connected to the imagesynthesizer;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the display device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the image synthesizer;

FIGS. 7 to 9 are perspective exploded views of the image synthesizer;

FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of a film scanner;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the advanced new photographic film withan information recording portion;

FIG. 12 is a horizontal sectional view showing a cartridge container ofthe photographic film;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view showing the cartridge container ofthe photographic film;

FIG. 14 illustrates the construction of the film scanner;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of theimage synthesizer;

FIG. 16 illustrates the file structure of a hard disk included in theimage synthesizer;

FIG. 17 illustrates the contents of a template image data storage area;

FIG. 18 illustrates the contents of a mask image data storage area;

FIG. 19a illustrates an example of a template image, FIG. 19billustrates an example of a mask image, and FIG. 19c illustrates anexample of synthesis information;

FIG. 20 illustrates the relationship between the position of a synthesisdefinition range as well as a title synthesis position and a templateimage;

FIG. 21 illustrates the relationship between the position of a synthesisdefinition range as well as a title synthesis position and a templateimage;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view for explaining image synthesis;

FIGS. 23 to 29 are flow charts showing the procedure for processing inthe image synthesizer;

FIGS. 30 to 57 illustrate examples of display screens appearing on thescreen of a display device connected to the image synthesizer;

FIG. 58 illustrates an example of an image recorded on a photographicfilm;

FIGS. 59a, 59 b and 59 c show how image synthesis processing isperformed in printing processing; and

FIG. 60 illustrates an example of a composite image to be printed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(1) Photographic film with information recording portion

A photographic film of a conventional type (a so-called 35 mm film) is a12-exposure, 24-exposure or 36-exposure roll of film. This photographicfilm is cut to a length for six frames after development, and isgenerally housed in a sheath to be stored. Merely an image of aphotographed subject and its frame number are recorded on thephotographic film of a conventional type. Information relating to theimage of the subject (for example, information briefly expressing theimage, date of photographing, and shutter speed) other than the framenumber are not recorded. Therefore, the information relating to thesubject image other than the frame number must be written into thesheath, or noted on another paper. A photographic film of a new type hasbeen developed. Information relating to a subject image, for example,information briefly expressing the image, date of photographing andshutter speed which cannot be recorded on the conventional photographicfilm can be recorded on the new type (advanced) photographic film. Inthe present embodiment, description is made of a case where the new typephotographic film is used. It goes without saying that the photographicfilm of a conventional type, a picture and the like can be used in animage synthesizer.

FIG. 1 illustrates a photographic film of a new type, that is, anadvanced photographic film with an information recording portion.

An advanced new photographic film 1 has its terminal fixed to a spoolrotatably provided in a cartridge (Patrone) 5. FIG. 1 illustrates astate where the photographic film 1 is drawn out of the cartridge 5.

Some perforations 2 a (or one or a plurality of notches) for engagingthe photographic film 1 with a part of a photographic film winding shaftof a camera are formed in the end of the photographic film 1.

There are areas 4 on which an image is recorded on the whole of thephotographic film 1 excluding the end having a suitable length (thisarea is formed by photographing, which is indicated by a one-dot anddash line for convenience of illustration in FIG. 1). Further, anoptical information recording area 6 in a long narrow strip shape isprovided below each of the image recording areas 4 (this area 6 isformed by exposure, which is also indicated by a one-dot and dash linefor convenience of illustration in FIG. 1).

Information recording portions 3 b and 3 d in a long narrow strip shapeare provided on both (upper and lower) sides of each of the imagerecording areas 4. The one information recording portion 3 d isoverlapped with the optical information recording area 6. Oneperforation (or two or more perforations) 2 b is formed incorrespondence to each of the image recording areas 4 between the otherinformation recording portions 3 b. The perforation 2 b is used formainly putting the image recording area 4 at an image formation positionin the camera.

Information recording portions 3 a and 3 c are also provided in the endof the photographic film 1 on both sides thereof.

The information recording portions 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d are magneticrecording layers generally formed by applying a transparent magneticmaterial on a film. The information recording portions 3 a and 3 bprovided on one side of the photographic film 1 are generally used in alaboratory. The information recording portions 3 c and 3 d provided onthe other side of the photographic film 1 are generally used forrecording information (data) in response to entry by a user orautomatically by the camera. The optical information recording areas 6are generally used in order for a manufacturer to record information.

The information recording portions (reader information recordingportions) 3 a and 3 c in the end are used for recording information(film information) relating to one roll of film 1. The informationrecording portions (frame information recording portions) 3 b and 3 dprovided in correspondence to each of the image recording areas 4 areused for recording information (frame information) relating to an imagerecorded on the area 4. The optical information recording areas 6 arefor recording information such as a manufacturer code.

As an example, comprehensive information relating to the whole of animage picked up using the photographic film is recorded on the readerinformation recording portion 3 c. This information is referred to asIX1.

Examples of the information recorded on the frame information recordingportion 3 d which is utilized by the user include title informationentered into the camera by the user (a title is one for brieflyexpressing an image, for example, “picture of flower”, “picture ofanimal”, “picture of children, or “travel”), and informationautomatically recorded by the camera (for example, shutter speed usedwhen an image for its frame is picked up). The information are referredto as information IX2. Only the information entered by the user may betaken as IX2.

FIG. 2 illustrates a data arrangement (a data format) in the informationrecording portions 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d of the photographic film. Thedata format is applied to both the information IX1 and IX2, and includesSS, VER, ID, LNG, DATA, LCR and ES.

SS is an abbreviation for “Start Sentinal”, and is a code representingthe start of a data string. VER represents the version of a recordingformat (a standard). ID represents the type of information to berecorded (IX1, IX2, etc.). LNG represents the length of succeeding data(DATA). DATA is data representing information which desires to berecorded or should be recorded. LCR is a CRC check code. ES is anabbreviation for “End Sentinal”, and is a code representing the end ofthe data string.

One or a plurality of data strings of such a format are provided in eachof the information recording portions 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d. Forexample, a data string representing data entered by the user and a datastring representing data written by the camera are recorded on the frameinformation recording portion 3 d. A plurality of identical data stringsare recorded in parallel on the information recording portion asrequired in order to increase reliability.

(2) Camera for photographic film with information recording portion

A part of the construction of a camera capable of handling such aphotographic film with an information recording portion is illustratedin FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the construction relating to recording on theinformation recording portions 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d of the photographicfilm is mainly illustrated, and the construction of an imaging opticalsystem or the like is omitted.

The cartridge 5 is rotatably supported on a fork in the camera. The endof the photographic film 1 drawn out of the cartridge 5 is wound arounda photographic film winding shaft 16. A photoelectric sensor 12 forsensing the perforation 2 b is provided, and its sensing signal is fedto a controller 10. The controller 10 drives a motor 14 to rotate thewinding shaft 16 so that the photographic film 1 is successively woundup, and positions the photographic film 1 for each photographing so thatthe image recording area 4 is in the image formation position on thebasis of the sensing signal of the photoelectric sensor 12.

A magnetic head 11 for recording information on the magnetic informationrecording portions 3 c and 3 d for the user is provided on a travel pathof the magnetic information recording portions 3 c and 3 d. In theprocess of winding (traveling) of the photographic film 1, informationentered from an input device 15 or information produced by thecontroller 10 are magnetically recorded on the magnetic recordingportions 3 c and 3 d by the magnetic head 11 through a head drivingcircuit 13 under the control of the controller 10.

The input device 15 is for entering numerals and characters. Forexample, the input device 15 includes numeric keys, alphabet keys, andthe like. The input device 15 includes a display device as required, andkeyed information is displayed on the display device. In order todecrease the number of keys, the input device 15 can be also soconstructed that a character displayed every time one key is pressed ischanged, and the user can select displayed characters.

(3) Image synthesizing system

{circle around (1)} Entire construction of image synthesizing system

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the whole of an image synthesizingsystem.

The image synthesizing system is installed in various places. Examplesinclude stores such as a film processing laboratory (store), aphotograph shop, a department store, a convenience store and other shopsor stores. The image synthesizing system is generally operated by acustomer (a user). In the place where an operator is normally stationed,for example, the film processing laboratory, the image synthesizingsystem may be operated by the operator.

Input media which can be handled by the image synthesizing system aremainly classified into two kinds. One of the kinds is one on which animage is visually expressed. Examples are photographic films (aphotographic film of a conventional type and a photographic film with aninformation recording portion), pictures printed on photographicprinting paper, and prints (pictures on a poster, a calendar, etc.).They are referred to as visible image media. The other kind is one onwhich digital data representing an image is recorded (stored). Examplesare an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, a magnetic disk, and a memorycard. They are referred to as digital media.

An image appearing on the photographic film with an informationrecording portion 1 is read by a film scanner 42 as described later (seeFIGS. 7, 8, 10, 15, etc.). Examples of the magnetic disk include anordinary floppy disk and a large-capacity (high density recording)floppy disk. Disk drivers 39 and 41 (see FIG. 15) are provided in orderto read image data recorded on these two kinds of magnetic disks.

An image on the photographic film of a conventional type is read by afilm scanner. The pictures printed on photographic printing paper andthe prints are read by a flat-bed scanner. Image data recorded on theoptical disk is read by an optical disk driver. Image data recorded onthe magneto-optic disk is read by a magneto-optic disk driver. Imagedata recorded on a semiconductor memory in the memory card is read by amemory card reader. The scanner for the photographic film of aconventional type, the optical disk driver, the magneto-optic diskdriver and the memory card reader can be connected to an imagesynthesizer 300 as described below so as to be attachable and detachable(an magneto-optic disk driver 46 and a memory card reader 47 areillustrated in FIG. 15).

Output media of the image synthesizing system are basically paper onwhich a composite image is printed. Therefore, a printer 37 is provided.Data representing a composite image can be also recorded on the magneticdisk by the disk driver 39 or 41. In this case, the output media includea magnetic disk (an ordinary floppy disk or a large-capacity floppydisk).

The image synthesizing system comprises an image synthesizer 300, amonitor display device 33, and a printer 37. The image synthesizer 300is placed on a rack 600, and the monitor display device 33 is placed onthe image synthesizer 300. In the image synthesizer 300, a compositeimage is produced, as described in detail later. The composite image isdisplayed on the monitor display device 33. The printer 37 isaccommodated in the rack 600. The printer 37 is provided with a paperfeeding tray 520 and a discharged paper receiving plate 510. Thecomposite image produced in the image synthesizer 300 is printed by theprinter 37 on paper contained in the paper feeding tray 520. The paperon which the composite image is printed is discharged from thedischarged paper receiving plate 510.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the monitor display device 33.

A touch panel 32 (see FIG. 15) is provided on a display screen of themonitor display device 33. One or a plurality of sections to be touchedby a user, an operator or a maintenance man are displayed, as describedin detail later, on the display screen of the monitor display device 33.The user, the operator, or the maintenance man touches any one of thesections, to enter a desired command. A signal representing the commandgiven from the touch panel 32 is outputted through a signal cable 202,and is fed to the image synthesizer 300.

A signal cable 203 for inputting composite image data and the other datafed from the image synthesizer 300 is connected to the monitor displaydevice 33. An image represented by the image data fed through the signalcapable 203 is displayed on the display screen of the monitor displaydevice 33.

A power code 204 for supplying power is connected to the monitor displaydevice 33.

Furthermore, a bezel cover 201 for protecting a brightness adjustingbutton and other buttons is provided in the lower part of the monitordisplay device 33 so as to be attachable and detachable.

{circle around (2)} Mechanical construction of image synthesizer

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the image synthesizer 300.

An insertion port 302 of a floppy disk (which constitutes a part of thedisk driver 39) and an insertion port 303 of a large-capacity floppydisk (which constitutes a part of the disk driver 41) are respectivelyprovided on the front surface of a housing of the image synthesizer 300.A front panel cover 301 for protecting the insertion ports 302 and 303is provided in the housing of the image synthesizer 300 so as to beattachable and detachable.

The film scanner 42 is contained in the housing of the image synthesizer300 so as to be attachable and detachable. In order to take out the filmscanner 42 from the housing of the image synthesizer 300, a part of theright side surface of the housing of the image synthesizer 300 isprovided with an opening. The opening is closed by screwing a side plate304 on the housing of the image synthesizer 300.

An opening is provided in one side part on the upper surface of thehousing of the image synthesizer 300, and the opening is covered with aslide cover (an outer cover) 305. The slide cover 305 is capable ofbeing freely opened or closed by a motor, as described later. The filmscanner 42 contained in the housing of the image synthesizer 300 isexposed by opening the slide cover 305.

A power code 306 for supplying power is connected to the imagesynthesizer 300.

FIGS. 7 to 9 are perspective exploded views of the image synthesizer300.

Referring to FIG. 7, the floppy disk driver 39, the large-capacityfloppy disk driver 41, a power supply circuit 330, a hard disk driver40, and a main circuit board 420 on which an MPU 30, a PCI 48 (see FIG.15) and other circuits are arranged are fixed to a frame 400. A beam 410is mounted on an approximately central portion of the frame 400 byscrews 401 and 402.

A scanner containing frame 390 is formed with a recess 395 forcontaining the film scanner 42. A mounting port 397 is formed in theinnermost part of the containing recess 395.

The scanner containing frame 390 is fixed to the beam 410 by screws 394.Further, a connector unit 396 is fixed to the scanner containing frame390 by a screw 393. The connector unit 396 is provided with a connector396A, and the connector 396A is projected toward the inside of thescanner containing frame 390 through the mounting port 397. Theconnector unit 396 is provided with other connectors 396B which areelectrically connected to the connector 396A, and the connector 396B isconnected to connectors provided on the circuit board 420.

The film scanner 42 is formed as a unit in its case. A handle 352 fordrawing and pressing the film scanner 42 out of and into the containingrecess 395 of the scanner containing frame 390 is provided on the frontsurface of the case of the film scanner 42. A connector 354 is providedon the rear surface of the case of the film scanner 42. When the filmscanner 42 is contained in the containing recess 395 of the scannercontaining frame 390, the connector 354 is connected to the connector396A of the connector unit 396. Transmission of data and other signalsbetween the film scanner 42 and circuits in the circuit board 420 aremade possible. Preferably, the size of the scanner containing recess 395is made approximately the same as or slightly larger than the size ofthe case of the film scanner 42. Therefore, the film scanner 42 ishardly moved in the recess 395 even if vibration, for example, isapplied thereto.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cover holder 360 is fixed to the scannercontaining frame 390 by screws 361. Two guide grooves 363 are formed onboth sides of the cover holder 360. A slide cover 305 has portionsfolded downward provided on both sides thereof. The folded portions ofthe slide cover 305 enter the guide grooves 363 of the cover holder 360.The slide cover 305 slides along the guide grooves 363. A shieldingmember 308 is so provided as to be projected downward on the innersurface of the slide cover 305.

A gear unit 380 is fixed to the lower surface of the cover holder 360 bya screw 385. The gear unit 380 includes a driving motor 381 for openingor closing the slide cover 305. The driving motor 381 is driven by powerand controlled by a control signal, the power and the control signalbeing fed through a cable including a connector 384. A pinion 383 isengaged with a gear 382 mounted on the rotational axis of the drivingmotor 381. On the other hand, a rack 309 is fixed to the lower surfaceof the slide cover 305. The pinion 383 is engaged with the rack 309through an opening 362 of the cover holder 360. The slide cover 305 ismoved by rotating the driving motor 381 in the forward or reversedirection, to open or close an opening 305A provided in a cover frame310.

A sensor unit 370 is further fixed to the lower surface of the coverholder 360 by screws 374. The sensor unit 370 is for sensing whether theslide cover 305 is opened or closed. The sensor unit 370 includes twophotoelectric sensors 372 and 373, and faces the opening 362. Thephotoelectric sensor 372 is constituted by a light emitting device 372Aand a light receiving device 372B for receiving light emitted from thelight emitting device 372A. The photoelectric sensor 373 is alsoconstituted by a light emitting device 373A and a light receiving device373B for receiving light emitted from the light emitting device 373A.When the slide cover 305 closes the opening 305A, the shielding member308 enters a space between the light emitting device 373A and the lightreceiving device 373B to block its optical path, whereby a sensingsignal indicating that the slide cover 305 is closed is outputted fromthe photoelectric sensor 373. When the opening 305A is opened, theshielding member 308 enters a space between the light emitting device372A and the light receiving device 372B, whereby a sensing signalindicating that the slide cover 305 is opened is outputted from thephotoelectric sensor 372. The opened or closed state of the slide cover305 is sensed by the two photoelectric sensors 372 and 373. The sensingsignals from the photoelectric sensors 372 and 373 are outputted througha cable having a connector 371.

The cable of the gear unit 380 and the cable of the sensor unit 370 areconnected to the main circuit board 420 by the connectors 384 and 371,and are connected to a CPU 20 (see FIG. 14) of the film scanner 42 fromthe circuit board 420 through the connector 396B and the connector 396Aof the connector unit 396, and the connector 354 of the film scanner 42(also see FIG. 15).

Referring to FIG. 9, the image synthesizer 300 is provided with thecover frame 310. An opening 304A for getting the film scanner 42 to andout of the image synthesizer 300 as described above is formed on theright side surface of the cover frame 310. The opening 304A is coveredwith a side plate 304 to be screwed. The opening 305A is provided in aside portion of the upper surface of the cover frame 310. The slidecover 305 opens or closes the opening 305A as described above.

Openings 302A and 303A are provided on the front surface of the coverframe 310. The one opening 302A is for exposing an insertion port 302 ofthe floppy disk driver 39, and the other opening 303A is for exposing aninsertion port 303 of the large-capacity floppy disk driver 41.

{circle around (3)} Film scanner

FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of the film scanner 42.

A cover 351 of the film scanner 42 is secured to the case 354 by screws357. An opening 353 for inserting the cartridge 5 of the photographicfilm with an information recording portion and taking out the cartridge5 is formed at a forward position on the upper surface of the cover 351.When the film scanner 42 is contained in the containing recess 395 ofthe scanner containing frame 390, the opening 353 coincides with theopening 305A of the cover frame 310 in the image synthesizer 300.

A cartridge container 355 for containing the cartridge of thephotographic film with an information recording portion is formed at aposition, which corresponds to the opening 353, of the case 354, i.e.,on the left and front side of the case 354. An inner cover 355A whichcan be opened or closed by hand is provided at an opening of thecartridge container 355. A take-up reel 24 of the photographic film isarranged on the right and front side of the case 354.

A film conveying path is provided between the cartridge container 355and the reel 24. An optical path of light for reading a film image isprovided in an arrangement perpendicular to the conveying path. That is,a light source assembly 359 and a reading optical system 356 arerespectively arranged ahead of and behind the film conveying path.

FIG. 11 illustrates the construction of the cartridge 5 of thephotographic film with an information recording portion. A spool 51 isrotatably supported on the center of the cartridge 5. Further, one sideportion of the cartridge 5 is slightly projected, and a film drawingport 52 is formed in this portion. A shielding cover 53 is provided inthe drawing port 52. Both ends of a shaft 54 for opening or closing theshielding cover 53 is exposed to both ends of the cartridge 5.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the cartridge container 355 provided in thecase 354 of the film scanner 42. The cartridge container 355 is a recesswhich has approximately the same shape as the outer shape of thecartridge 5 and the cartridge 5 loosely enters.

A pop-up mechanism and a mechanism for locking the inner cover 355A andthe pop-up mechanism (both mechanism are not illustrated) are providedin the cartridge container 355. The pop-up mechanism is for quietlyprojecting the cartridge 5 from the cartridge container 355, andincludes a spring for urging the cartridge 5 upward. When the cartridge5 is pressed into the cartridge container 355 against the force of thespring, the pop-up mechanism is locked at a predetermined position. Whenthe inner cover 355A is closed by hand in this state, the pop-upmechanism falls by one step, and is locked at the final position. Thecartridge 5 is put at this position.

The inner cover 355A is always held in its opened state by a spring (notshown). When the inner cover 355A is closed by the fingers of the useragainst the force of the spring, the inner cover 355A is locked at itsclosed position by the locking mechanism. It is sensed by a closed innercover sensor 28 (see FIG. 14) that the inner cover 355A is closed.

The inner cover 355A and the pop-up mechanism are unlocked by driving aninner cover opening motor 29 (see FIG. 14), so that the inner cover 355Ais opened, and the cartridge 5 is raised upward by the pop-up mechanism.Consequently, the user can take out the cartridge 5 through the openings305A and 353. The pop-up mechanism and the locking mechanism have beenalready known. The details of one example are disclosed in the patentapplication (Japanese Patent Application No. 8-33632) filed by the sameapplicant.

A spindle 355B for drawing out and winding up a film and a pin 355C foropening a shielding cover are provided at the bottom of the cartridgecontainer 355. When the cartridge 5 is put at the final position in thecartridge container 355, the spindle 355B is engaged with a hole of thespool 51, and the pin 355C is engaged with a hole of the shaft 54. Bydriving a film drawing and containing motor 55 (see FIG. 14), the pin355C is rotated at a predetermined angle through a cam mechanism (notshown), to open the shielding cover 53 of the cartridge 5. The spool 51is then rotated by the rotation of the spindle 355B, whereby the film 1in the cartridge 5 is pushed outward through the opened drawing port 52,starting at its end. An introduction guide 57 for introducing the end ofthe film pushed outward into a film conveying guide 56 (see FIG. 14) isformed in a film in-and-outlet of the cartridge container 355.

If the film drawing and containing motor 55 is rotated in the reversedirection, the spool 51 is also rotated in the reverse direction, sothat the film 1 pulled outward is contained in the cartridge 5. The pin355C is rotated in the reverse direction at a predetermined angle by acam mechanism (not shown), to close the shielding cover 53.

FIG. 14 illustrates the internal construction of the film scanner 42. Aconveying path of the film 1 is arranged between the position of thecartridge container 355 containing the cartridge 5 and the position ofthe take-up reel 24. The conveying path is provided with a conveyingguide 56. The conveying guide 56 is curved in an arc shape forcorrecting the bending of the film 1 contained in the cartridge 5.

A light source assembly 359 and a reading optical system 356 are soarranged as to be opposite to each other with the conveying guide 56interposed therebetween. The light source assembly 359 comprises a lightsource 21 and an infrared ray cut filter 58. The reading optical system356 comprises a lens 22 and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor23.

Magnetic heads 25 opposite to rollers, an optical information readingsensor 63, and a capstan 62 and pinch rollers 61 opposite to each otherare further arranged on the conveying path of the film 1. The spindle355B, the film drawing and containing motor 55, the pitch rollers 61,the capstan 62, and the like constitute a film feeding mechanism.

The photographic film 1 is drawn out of the cartridge 5 as describedabove, and is wound around the reel 24 through the conveying path. Thephotographic film 1 is conveyed at a predetermined speed by the filmfeeding mechanism.

Light from the light source 21 is irradiated onto the film 1 beingconveyed. Light representing an image of the image recording area of thefilm 1 is formed on the CCD line sensor 23 by the lens 22. The CCD linesensor 23 includes a lot of (for example, 2048) photoelectric convertingelements arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection of the photographic film 1. Image signals corresponding to oneline are fed to an image processor 26 from the CCD line sensor 23 in theprocess of feeding of the film 1. When the film 1 has been fed by thelength of one image recording area, image data for one frame is obtained(for example, when the film 1 is fed at the smallest pitch, image datahaving resolution of 2048×3584 pixels is obtained with respect to oneimage recording area 4).

The image processor 26 is constituted by a signal processing circuit(including required ones of a white balance circuit, a gamma correctingcircuit, a negative/positive inverting circuit, etc.) for processing animage signal (or digital image data after analog-to-digital conversion)obtained from the CCD line sensor 23, an analog-to-digital convertingcircuit, and the like. Digital image data obtained when the photographicfilm 1 is sent at the smallest (finest) pitch is referred to as originaldigital image data. The original image data is fed to an image memory 35as described later through a connector 354.

The feed speed of the film 1 and the driving of the CCD line sensor 23are so controlled that the transfer speed of the image signal outputtedfrom the CCD line sensor 23 is maintained at not more than the speed atwhich the image data is written into the image memory 35.

The original image data is for printing. The original image data isreduced to one-half in length by one-half in breadth, to obtain imagedata for HDTV (high definition television). The image data for HDTV isfurther reduced to one-half in length by one-half in breadth, to obtainstandard image data. The standard image data is further reduced toone-eighth in length by one-eighth in breadth, to obtain reduced imagedata. The reduction processing of the image data is performed byperforming thinning processing or averaging processing for a pluralityof adjacent pixels. The reduction processing is performed by anenlarging and reducing circuit 44 as described later. Image data havingdifferent resolution can be also obtained by changing the feeding pitchof the film 1 in the film scanner.

In the process of feeding of the film 1, information magneticallyrecorded on the information recording portions 3 c and 3 d are read bythe magnetic heads 25. The read signal is fed to a magnetic readingcircuit 27. The magnetic reading circuit 27 subjects the read signal torequired processing (demodulation, encoding, etc.), and applies the readsignal to the MPU 30 as described later through the connector 354.Further, information recorded on the optical information recording area6 (this information is recorded on the film 1 by exposure in the form ofthe presence or absence of points, bar codes, etc.) is read by theoptical information reading sensor 63. The read signal is fed to the MPU30 through the connector 354.

The CPU 20 included in the film scanner 42 controls the inner coveropening motor 29, the film drawing and containing motor 55, the filmfeeding mechanism and others under the control of the MPU 30. Further, asense signal of the closed inner cover sensor 28 is fed to the MPU 30through the CPU 20.

{circle around (4)} Electrical construction of image synthesizer

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of theimage synthesizer.

The image synthesizer has mainly two functions: a photo-joy printservice (image synthesis processing) and a digital output service (imageconversion processing).

In the photo-joy print service, both a visible image medium and adigital medium are used as an input medium. A print, a memory card, amagneto-optic disk, or a magnetic disk is used as an output medium. Inthe photo-joy print service, an image recorded on the input mediumbrought by a user is synthesized on a template image previously storedin the image synthesizer, to output a composite image.

In the digital output service, a visible image medium is used as aninput medium. A digital medium is used as an output medium. In thedigital output service, an image expressed on the visible image mediumis read, is converted into digital image data representing the readimage, and is recorded on the digital medium.

In the present embodiment, description is mainly made of the photo-joyprint service.

The operations of the whole of the image synthesizer are supervised bythe MPU 30.

The image synthesizer comprises the floppy disk driver 39, the hard diskdriver 40, the large-capacity floppy disk driver 41 and the scanner 42as described above, and an interface (a video interface) 34 of thedisplay device 33, a touch panel interface 31, an image memory 35temporarily storing image data, an SCSI (Small Computer SystemInterface) 36, a scanner interface 43, an enlarging and reducing circuit44 for enlarging and reducing an image represented by the image data, aPCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) 48 and a RAM 45 for temporarilystoring data.

The user performs operations of the image synthesis processing inaccordance with indications on the display device 33. Specifically, atouch panel 32 is formed on a display screen of the display device 33.The touch panel 32 is connected to the MPU 30 through the interface 31.A guidance (comprising illustrations, sentences, etc.) for guiding theoperations and one or a plurality of sections to be touched aredisplayed on the display screen of the display device 33. The functionof a key (including numerical values) is displayed in each of thesections. Consequently, function keys and numeric keys are realized. Aninput signal representing the position of the section which the operatoror the user touches by his or her finger is fed to the MPU 30. The userselects the type of processing (service) (the photo-joy print service orthe digital output service), designates the input medium, and designatesa frame to be recorded or printed on the output medium and performsother entry utilizing the touch panel.

The scanner interface 43 includes a DMAC (Direct Memory AccessController) 43 a, and the transfer of image data outputted from thescanner 42 is controlled by the DMAC 43 a.

The enlarging and reducing circuit 44 is a circuit for enlarging andreducing an image represented by image data and for executing datacompression/expansion processing of image data.

The scanner interface 43, the enlarging and reducing circuit 44, and thePCI 48 are connected to each other by a PCI bus. The high-speed transferof the image data is possible through the PCI bus by the DMAC 43 a.Consequently, the image data outputted from the scanner 42 can bedirectly stored in the image memory 35 without providing a memory in thescanner 42. The image memory need not be contained in the scanner 42,whereby the cost of the scanner 42 can be kept low.

The RAM 45 temporarily stores data. The image memory 35 stores imagedata read out from the scanner 42 and the disk drivers 39 and 40.

The hard disk driver 40 writes data to a hard disk and reads out datastored in the hard disk.

The floppy disk driver 39 and the large-capacity floppy disk driver 41respectively write data including image data to the magnetic disk andthe large-capacity magnetic disk serving as input and output media orread out the data from the magnetic disk and the large-capacity magneticdisk, and rewrites the data.

The printer 37 prints an image represented by fed image data.

As described in the foregoing, a film scanner will be provided in orderthat a conventional photographic film can be used as an input medium,and a flat-bed scanner will be provided in order to utilize the othervisible image medium.

A scanner for the conventional photographic film includes a lightsource, an imaging optical system, a line sensor (or a two-dimensionalimaging device), a transport mechanism of the film or the line sensor, asignal processing circuit, an analog-to-digital converting circuit, andthe like. The flat-bed scanner for a reflective original comprises aflat bed, and the reflective original to be read is placed on the flatbed. Light from the light source is projected onto the reflectiveoriginal, and light reflected from the reflective original is inputtedto the line sensor or the two-dimensional imaging device. An imagesignal outputted from the line sensor or the imaging device is stored inthe image memory 35 as digital image data after predeterminedprocessing.

Furthermore, as described in the foregoing, the magneto-optic diskdriver 46, the memory card reader 47, and the like can be also providedin the image synthesizer 300, as required.

(4) File structure of hard disk

FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate a file structure (a data structure) of a harddisk included in the image synthesizer. This illustrates not thephysical structure but the logical file structure. Various data shown inFIGS. 16 and 18 may be not a continuous gathered state but a dispersedstate. When there are a plurality of hard disks on the imagesynthesizer, all data shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 need not exist on one harddisk. The data may be recorded in a dispersed manner on the plurality ofhard disks.

The hard disk includes a directory management area where all the datastored in the hard disk are managed, an OS recording area on which an OS(Operating System) is recorded, an application software recording areaon which software for a photo-joy print service and a digital outputservice is recorded, a template data recording area on which templateimage data representing a template image which is a background image ofa subject image to be synthesized is recorded, a mask data recordingarea on which mask image data representing a mask image for defining asynthesis position and a synthesis area of the subject image to besynthesized on the template image is recorded, a synthesis informationrecording area storing synthesis information utilized for imagesynthesis, and an unused area.

FIG. 17 illustrates the details of the template data recording area.

Template image data includes template image data for image display usedwhen a composite image displayed on the display screen of the displaydevice 33 is produced, and template image data for printing used whenthe composite image is printed using the printer 37 and having higherresolution than that of the template image data for image display. Thetemplate data recording area includes a template image data recordingarea for image display and a template image data recording area forprinting. The template image data for image display and the templateimage data for printing are respectively stored in the template imagedata recording area for image display and the template image datarecording area for printing.

Each of the template image data recording area for image display and thetemplate image data recording area for printing is further divided intorecording areas depending on the kind of template image (a templateimage data recording area for decoration image display, a template imagedata recording area for photo frame image display, etc.). Template imagedata corresponding to the kind of template is stored in each of theareas.

Furthermore, the same kind of template includes a plurality of types oftemplates. For example, a decoration template includes types dependingon the number of subject images and whether the subject images aredisplayed longitudinally or laterally (type 1, type 2, etc.). Templateimage data is stored for each type.

The same type of template further includes a plurality of differentdecoration types. For example, when the type of template is a decorationtemplate, and subject images of three frames are laterally arranged,there are different decoration types (for example, a decoration for awedding ceremony, a decoration for an entrance ceremony, etc.). Templateimage data is stored for each decoration type.

Consequently, the templates are hierarchically classified into kinds,types and decoration types, and all of them must be determined. One kindof template image is selected upon determination of all the kind, thetype and the decoration type. A subject image is synthesized on theselected template image.

The template image data for printing is also stored in the templateimage data recording area for printing in the hard disk incorrespondence to the number of template image data for image displayfor each kind, type and decoration type, similarly to the template imagedata for image display.

FIG. 18 illustrates the details of the mask data recording area.

The mask image data are classified into kinds, types and decorationtypes respectively corresponding to the kinds, the types and thedecoration types of the template image data, and there are providedareas on which the respective data are to be recorded.

The template image data and the mask image data are respectivelyrecorded on the template data recording area and the mask data recordingarea in the form of bit map data upon being compressed.

Referring to FIG. 16 again, the directory management area stores a passto each of the template image data for image display (a pass isinformation required for a computer to access a storage location storingeach data), a pass to each of the template image data for printing, apass to each of the mask image data for image display, a pass to each ofthe mask image data for printing, and the other data. The respectiveimage data can be accessed by referring to the passes stored in thedirectory management area.

The synthesis information recording area stores information utilized forimage synthesis. Examples of the synthesis information include thenumber of synthesized images, positional information of a synthesisdefinition range (a position and a range where a subject image to besynthesized is to be arranged on the template), the number of titles, atitle synthesis position, the typeface name of a title font, the titlefont size, the title font color, and the title layout.

The number of synthesized images represents the number of subject imagesto be synthesized on a template image. The positional information of thesynthesis definition range represents the position and the size of thesynthesis definition range which define the size required for thesubject image to be synthesized on the template image (as described indetail later). The number of titles represents, when titles are added tothe template image as described later, the number of the titles. Thetitle synthesis position represents, when a title is added to thetemplate image, the position where the title is started (as described indetail later). The typeface name of a title font indicates whether thetitle is Roman, Gothic, italics or the like. The title font sizerepresents the size of a font used for the title (the size, the pointnumber, etc.). The title font color represents a color of the title. Thetitle layout indicates whether the title is put to the left side,centered or put to the right side.

Such synthesis information is stored as code data on the synthesisinformation recording area in correspondence to the template image datastored in the template data recording area (the template image datacorresponding to all combinations of kinds, types and decoration types).

FIG. 19a illustrates an example of a template image. FIG. 19billustrates an example of a mask image. FIG. 19c illustrates an exampleof synthesis information. Template image data representing such templateimage as illustrated is stored in the template data recording area, maskimage data representing the mask image is stored in the mask datarecording area, and data representing the synthesis information isstored in the synthesis information recording area.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are diagrams for explaining the positional informationof the synthesis definition range and the information of the titlesynthesis position which are included in the synthesis information. Asynthesis definition range S_(yn) (n denotes the number of the synthesisdefinition range, 1 to 3 in an example shown in FIGS. 20 and 21) isdetermined by the start position and the size. The start position isindicated by coordinates (xsf, ysf) (f also denotes the number of thesynthesis definition range, 1 to 3 in the example shown in FIGS. 20 and21) at the upper left corner of the synthesis definition range S_(yn) ina case where the upper left corner of the template image is taken as theorigin (0, 0). Further, the size of the synthesis definition range isindicated by the number of dots, where the length in the horizontaldirection is represented by xnf, and the length in the verticaldirection is represented by ynf (f denotes the number of the synthesisdefinition range).

If the size of a subject image to be synthesized on the template imageis smaller than the size of the corresponding synthesis definitionrange, a white edge or a black edge appears on a composite image. Whenthe size of the subject image is smaller than the size of the synthesisdefinition range, therefore, the fact is notified. Therefore, a whiteedge or a black edge can be prevented from being formed on the compositeimage when the size of the subject image to be synthesized on thetemplate image is smaller than the size of the synthesis definitionrange.

The title synthesis position and the size thereof are also defined bythe start position (xst, yst), and the length in the horizontaldirection xnt and the length in the vertical direction ynt (representedby the number of dots).

(5) Image synthesis

FIG. 22 typically illustrates the relationship among a template image, amask image, a subject image to be synthesized, and a composite image inorder to explain image synthesis processing.

In the image synthesis, the template image is selected by the user, andtemplate image data representing the selected template image is read outfrom the hard disk. Further, mask image data corresponding to theselected template image data is read out from the hard disk. Subjectimage data representing the subject image to be synthesized is read outfrom the visible image medium or the digital medium which is brought bythe user.

When the subject image to be synthesized and the mask image areoverlapped with each other, the subject image in a portion correspondingto a synthesis area portion A_(W) (other than a mask portion A_(M)indicated by hatching) is synthesized (overlaid) on the template image,to produce the composite image. The subject image in a portioncorresponding to the mask portion AM is not synthesized on the templateimage. On the other hand, the positional relationship between thesynthesis area portion A_(W) of the mask image and the subject image tobe synthesized is adjusted by the user operating the image synthesizer.Detailed operations with respect to the image synthesis will be apparentfrom the following description.

(6) Various processing in image synthesizer

FIGS. 23 to 29 are flow charts showing the procedure for variousprocessing including a photo-joy print service and the like in the imagesynthesizer. FIGS. 30 to 57 illustrate examples of displays appearing onthe screen of the display device 33. Data causing the displays on thescreen of the display device 33 are stored in the application softwarerecording area so long as it is not emphatically mentioned.

{circle around (1)} Setting of identification number

An identification (secret) number of a maintenance man has previouslybeen stored in a memory of the image synthesizer. When an identificationnumber entered by the maintenance man coincides with the identificationnumber stored in the memory, a predetermined start screen for stoppingor changing various processing in the image synthesizing system can bedisplayed on the display device 33. The identification number is set bythe maintenance man. The setting of the identification number will bedescribed.

In the initial state, a start screen as shown in FIG. 30 is displayed onthe display device 33 (step 121). The start screen includes sectionsA_(S1) to A_(S5). When the finger of the maintenance man touches thesection A_(S1), the program proceeds to various service processing (aphoto-joy printing service, a digital output service, etc.) as describedlater. When the finger of the maintenance man touches the sectionA_(S2), the program proceeds to various maintenance processing such asadjustment of the color of an image displayed on the display device 33.When the finger of the maintenance man touches the section A_(S3), theprogram proceeds to identification number setting processing. When thefinger of the maintenance man touches the section A_(S4), the programproceeds to OS menu display. When the finger of the maintenance mantouches the section A_(S5), the program proceeds to service managementprocessing such as collection of fees for the use of the imagesynthesizing system.

The finger of the maintenance man touches the section A_(S3) in order toset the identification number (step 122, YES in step 123). Consequently,an environment setting screen shown in FIG. 31 is displayed on thedisplay device 33 (step 124).

The environment setting screen includes sections A₀₁ to A₀₄. Peripheralequipments of the same kinds but manufactured by different manufacturerscan be connected to the image synthesizing system. For example, a filmscanner manufactured by A Company can be connected thereto, and a filmscanner manufactured by B Company can be also connected thereto. Whenthe peripheral equipments manufactured by different manufacturers areconnected thereto, the output speed of image data, for example, must beset depending on the manufacturer of the peripheral equipment. It is thesection A₀₁ which is touched by the finger of the maintenance man inorder to execute the setting concerning the peripheral equipment. Whenthe finger of the maintenance man touches the section A₀₂, the programproceeds to processing for setting various processing in the imagesynthesizer. When the finger of the maintenance man touches the sectionA₀₃, the program proceeds to identification number setting processing.When the finger of the maintenance man touches the section A₀₄, thedisplay screen of the display device 33 is returned to the start screenshown in FIG. 30.

The section A₀₃ is touched by the finger of the maintenance man in orderto set the identification number (YES in step 125). Consequently, anidentification number setting screen shown in FIG. 32 is displayed onthe display device 33 (step 126).

Numeric keys 0 to 1, and a message for guiding entry of anidentification number are displayed in addition to sections A₀₅, A₀₆ andA₀₇ on the identification number setting screen. An identificationnumber is entered by the maintenance man using the numeric keys (step127). Asterisks have been displayed in the section A₀₅ in correspondenceto the entry of the identification number. Since not the entered numberbut the asterisks are displayed in the section A₀₅, the identificationnumber can be prevented from being known by others seeing the sectionA₀₅. When the finger of the maintenance man touches the section A₀₆, theentered identification number can be corrected. When the finger of themaintenance man touches the section A₀₇, the identification numberentered by the maintenance man is fixed.

When the identification number is once fixed upon entry of theidentification number using the numeric keys by the maintenance man andtouching of the section A₀₇ by the finger of the maintenance man, anidentification number re-entering screen is displayed as shown in FIG.33 (step 128). The identification number is entered again using thenumeric keys by the maintenance man (step 129). It is judged whether ornot the identification number entered again is the same as theidentification number already entered (step 130). If it is judged thatthe identification number already entered and the identification numberentered again are the same (YES in step 130), the identification numberis stored as a correct identification number in the RAM 45 (step 132).Consequently, the identification number setting processing isterminated. The display of the display device 33 is returned to thestart screen shown in FIG. 30. If the identification number alreadyentered and the identification number entered again differ from eachother (NO in step 130), the display screen of the display device 33 ischanged to a screen for urging the identification number to be set againas shown in FIG. 34 (step 131). The identification number is set againby the maintenance man in accordance with the message (steps 127 to130).

{circle around (2)} Image synthesis processing

When the section A_(S1) is touched by the finger of the maintenance man(or an operator in a store where an image synthesizer is placed) (NO instep 123, YES in step 143) in a case where the start screen as shown inFIG. 30 is displayed (step 121), a general service screen shown in FIG.35 is displayed on the display device 33 (step 144).

The general service screen includes a section A₀₈ touched by the fingerof the maintenance man (or the operator) when the processing is startedand a section A₀₉ touched by the finger of the maintenance man (or theoperator) when the processing in the image synthesizing system isterminated. When the section A₀₈ is touched by the finger of themaintenance man (or the operator), a service selection screen as shownin FIG. 36 is displayed (YES in step 145, step 147).

Three sections A₁₀, A₁₁ and A₁₂ enclosed by frames are displayed on theservice selection screen. When the section A₁₁ out of the sections A₁₀,A₁₁ and A₁₂ is touched by the user, the photo-joy print service isstarted, whereby the screen of the display device 33 is switched to aninput medium selection screen as shown in FIG. 37 (step 148, step 48 inFIG. 24).

In FIG. 36, when the digital output service is desired to be performedin the image synthesizer 300, the section A₁₂ is touched by the user.The section A₁₀ is touched by the user when the display is returned tothe preceding screen. Although the display screen of the display device33 is switched to a screen suitable for the digital output service bytouching the section A₁₂, this is not related to the image synthesisprocessing and hence, further description is avoided.

Referring to FIG. 37, sections A₂₁, A₂₂, A₂₃, A₂₄, A₂₅ and A₂₆ enclosedby frames are displayed on an input medium selection screen. The sectionA₂₁ is a section touched by the user when the input medium is aphotographic film with an information recording portion, the section A₂₂is a section touched by the user when the input medium is a photographicfilm of a conventional type, the section A₂₃ is a section touched by theuser when the input medium is a reflective original, the section A₂₄ isa section touched by the user when the input medium is a magneto-opticdisk, the section A₂₅ is a section touched by the user when the inputmedium is a magnetic disk, and the section A₂₆ is a section touched bythe user when the input medium is a memory card.

The section conforming to the input medium out of the sections A₂₁ toA₂₆ is touched by the user (step 49). One, which is suitable for theinput medium, of the scanner 42, the floppy disk driver 39, themagneto-optic disk driver 46 and the memory card reader 47 is selectedby the user, and the input medium is mounted therein.

It is assumed herein that the new (advanced) photographic film with aninformation recording portion 1 is selected as the input medium upontouching of the section A₂₁ by the user (YES in step 50). When the newphotographic film is selected as the input medium, a guide for insertingthe new photographic film into the image synthesizer (a first insertionguide) is displayed on the display device 33 as shown in FIG. 38 (step51). The first insertion guide screen includes sections A₁₃ and A₁₄enclosed by frames. The section A₁₄ is a section touched by the userwhen the slide cover 305 is opened. The section A₁₃ is a section touchedby the user when the reading of an image appearing on the photographicfilm is canceled. When the section A₁₄ is touched by the user, a commandto open the slide cover 305 is transmitted to the CPU 20 through the MPU30. The driving motor 381 included in the film scanner 42 is driven bythe CPU 20. Consequently, the slide cover 305 is opened (step 52). Amessage for urging the section A₁₄ to be touched is also displayed onthe first insertion guide screen.

When the slide cover 305 is opened, a second insertion guide screen isdisplayed on the display device 33 as shown in FIG. 39 (step 53). Amessage and an image for guiding a photographic film to be contained inthe cartridge container 355 by opening the inner cover 355A of the filmscanner 42 are displayed on the second insertion guide screen. The userpresses the cartridge 5 into the cartridge container 355 while seeingthe second insertion guide screen.

The display screen of the display device 33 is switched to a thirdinsertion guide screen as shown in FIG. 40 (step 54). A message and animage for guiding the inner cover 355A of the film scanner 42 to beclosed are displayed on the third insertion guide screen. The usercloses the inner cover 355A of the film scanner 42 while seeing thethird insertion guide screen.

When the inner cover 355A of the film scanner 42 is closed (YES in step55), the fact is sensed by the closed inner cover sensor 28, and itssensing signal is inputted to the CPU 20. Consequently, it is sensedthat the inner cover 355A is closed. A fourth insertion guide screen isdisplayed on the display device 33 as shown in FIG. 41 (step 56). Thefourth insertion guide screen also includes a section A₁₅. The sectionA₁₅ is a section touched by the user when a command to close the slidecover 305 is entered. A message for urging the section A₁₅ to be touchedis also displayed on the fourth insertion guide screen.

When the section A₁₅ is touched by the user (YES in step 57), the slidecover 305 is closed upon driving of the driving motor 381 by the CPU 20.Consequently, the display screen of the display device 33 is changed toa template kind selection screen shown in FIG. 42 (step 58). When it issensed by the closed inner cover sensor 28 that the inner cover 355A ofthe film scanner 42 is opened (NO in step 55), or the section A₁₅included in the fourth insertion guide screen shown in FIG. 41 is nottouched for a predetermined time (NO in step 57), the display of thesecond insertion guide screen shown in FIG. 39 and the third insertionguide screen shown in FIG. 40 is repeated (steps 53 and 54).

All images recorded on the new photographic film mounted in the filmscanner 42 are read. Image data representing the read image is thinnedout in the enlarging and reducing circuit 44, to obtain image datarepresenting a reduced image. The image data representing the reducedimage is stored in the hard disk.

On the template kind selection screen shown in FIG. 42, sections A₃₀,A₃₁, A₃₂, A₃₃, A₃₄, A₃₅, A₃₆, A₃₇, A₃₈ and A₃₉ are displayed. Thesection A₃₀ is a section touched by the user when printing is done by alarge index (the large index is for making a list of a plurality ofimages recorded on the input medium). The section A₃₁ is a sectiontouched by the user when printing is done by a photo frame (the photoframe is for printing an image recorded on the input medium like apicture fit in a photo frame). The section A₃₂ is a section touched bythe user when printing is done by a cover poster (the cover poster isfor printing an image recorded on the input medium like a magazine or aposter). The section A₃₃ is a section touched by the user when printingis done by a calendar (the calendar is for printing an image recorded onthe input medium on a part of a calendar). The section A₃₄ is a sectiontouched by the user when printing is done by a decoration (thedecoration is for printing an image obtained by decorating a part or thewhole of an image recorded on the input medium and extracted therefrom).

The section A₃₅ is a section touched by the user when printing is doneby enlargement (the enlargement is for enlarging an image recorded onthe input medium). The section A₃₆ is a section touched by the user whenprinting is done by art (the art is for decorating an image recorded onthe input medium). The section A₃₇ is a section touched by the user whenprinting is done by multi-size (the multi-size is for printing aplurality of identical subject images which differ in size). The sectionA₃₈ is a section touched by the user when printing is done by digitaldirect (the digital direct is for printing, when the input medium is adigital medium, an image represented by image data directly read outfrom the digital medium). The section A₃₉ is a section touched by theuser when the kind of template must be explained.

It is assumed that the decoration is selected upon touching of thesection A₃₄ by the user (YES in step 59). When a section other than thesection A₃₄ is touched by the user, the display of the display device 33is switched in correspondence to the touched section.

When the section A₃₄ is touched by the user, the display screen of thedisplay device 33 is switched to a menu explanation screen shown in FIG.43 (step 60). An area A₄₁, and sections A₄₂, A₄₃ and A₄₄ are displayedon the menu explanation screen. A sentence for explaining what is atemplate selected by the user and what subject image is suitablysynthesized on the template is displayed in the area A₄₁ (the sentencefor explanation is not illustrated in FIG. 43). When the number ofsentences for explanation is large, all the sentences for explanationfor the selected template cannot be displayed in the area A₄₁.Therefore, it is the section A₄₃ or A₄₄ that is touched in order toscroll the screen and read the sentences for explanation. When thesection A₄₂ is touched by the user, the display screen of the displaydevice 33 is returned to the template kind selection screen shown inFIG. 42. When the screen is scrolled to sentences for explanation on thefinal page, a new section (not shown) is displayed. When the section istouched by the user, the display screen of the display device 33 isswitched to a template type selection screen shown in FIG. 44 (step 61).

Templates are of many kinds: a decoration, a calendar, and a coverposter. One kind of template further includes many types of templates.The template type selection screen shown in FIG. 44 is displayed on thedisplay device 33 when the type of template is selected.

Sections A₅₁, A₅₂, A₅₃, A₅₄, A₅₅, A₅₆ and A₄₂ are displayed on thetemplate type selection screen. The section A₅₁ is a section touched bythe user when images for three frames are vertically arranged on thetemplate to synthesize the images. The section A₅₂ is a section touchedby the user when images for five frames are vertically arranged on thetemplate to synthesize the images. The section A₅₃ is a section touchedby the user when images for eight frames are vertically arranged on thetemplate to synthesize the images. The section A₅₄ is a section touchedby the user when images for three frames are horizontally arranged onthe template to synthesize the images. The section A₅₅ is a sectiontouched by the user when images for five frames are horizontallyarranged on the template to synthesize the images. The section A₅₆ is asection touched by the user when images for eight frames arehorizontally arranged on the template to synthesize the images. When anyone of the sections A₅₁ to A₅₆ is touched by the user (step 62), thedisplay screen of the display device 33 is switched to a templatedecoration type selection screen shown in FIG. 45 (step 63).

There are many types of templates (the number of frames corresponding toimages synthesized on the template and the direction of thearrangement). One type of template further includes template decorationtypes. The decoration selection screen shown in FIG. 45 is displayed onthe display device 33 when the decoration type is selected (step 63).

An area A₆₀ and sections A₁₀ and A₁₃ are displayed on the decorationtype selection screen. The area A₆₀ include a plurality of sections forselecting decorations of the template. The user touches a sectionrepresenting a desired decoration out of the sections in the area A₆₀(step 64).

A template used for image synthesis is specified by thus selecting allthe kind, the type and the decoration type of the template.

When the template is specified, data enlargement of template image data,selection of a subject image to be synthesized on the template, inlayingof the subject image on a template image, production of composite imagedata for printing are carried out (step 65, FIGS. 46 to 51). Eachprocessing will be described in detail later.

When the image synthesis is terminated on the display screen of thedisplay device 33 (when the processing in the step 65 is terminated), ascreen for confirming whether or not characters should be inserted intoa composite image is displayed on the display device 33 as shown in FIG.52 (step 66). Sections A₁₀, A₄₂, A₇₆ and A₇₇ are displayed in additionto the composite image on the confirmation screen. The section A₇₇ istouched by the user when characters are added, while the section A₇₆ istouched by the user when no characters are added. When the section A₇₇is touched (YES in step 67), keys of hiragana and katakana (Japanese),alphabets, signs, etc. are displayed on the display screen of thedisplay device 33 (step 68). The user can add characters to thecomposite image by touching the keys displayed on the display screen ofthe display device 33.

When entry of characters into the composite image is terminated or noentry of characters is required, a printing confirmation screen shown inFIG. 53,is displayed on the display device 33 (step 69). The section A₁₃is touched upon confirmation by the user. When an image displayed on thedisplay screen of the display device 33 is not printed, the section A₁₀is touched by the user, whereby the display screen of the display device33 is returned to the preceding screen. When the section A₁₃ is touchedby the user, the display screen of the display device 33 is switched toa number-of-prints confirmation screen shown in FIG. 54 (step 70).

Sections A₁₀, A₁₃, A₆₁ and A₈₁ and an area A₈₀ are displayed on thenumber-of-prints confirmation screen. Numeric keys 0 to 9 are displayedin the area A₈₀. When the numeric keys are touched by the user, thenumber of prints is entered. The entered number of prints is displayedin the section A₈₁. When the user erroneously enters the number ofprints, the number of prints is entered again upon touching the sectionA₆₁. When the number of prints is determined, the section A₁₃ is touchedby the user. When the section A₁₃ is touched, the display screen of thedisplay device 33 is switched to an in-printing display screen shown inFIG. 55 (step 71).

An area A₈₆ and sections A₈₃, A₈₄ and A₈₅ are displayed on thein-printing display screen. A simple animation (not illustrated) isdisplayed in the area A₈₆ during printing. In order to stop printing,the section A₈₃ is touched by the user. When a template is changed to doanother printing, the section A₈₄ is touched by the user. When theprinting is ended, the section A₈₅ is touched by the user. When thesection A₈₅ is touched by the user, the display screen of the displaydevice 33 is changed to a print ending screen shown in FIG. 56 (step73).

Sections A₇₆ and A₇₇ are displayed on the print ending screen. Thesection A₇₆ is a section touched by the user when printing is to beended, and the section A₇₇ is a section touched by the user when theprinting is continued. When the section A₇₆ is touched (NO in step 74),the display screen of the display device 33 is switched to a guidescreen indicating that a new photographic film inserted in the imagesynthesizer is to be taken out (step 75). When the new photographic filmis taken out from the image synthesizer, the display screen of thedisplay device 33 is returned to the general service screen shown inFIG. 35 (step 144 in FIG. 23). When the section A₇₇ is touched (YES instep 74), the display screen of the display device 33 is switched to thetemplate kind selection screen shown in FIG. 42 (step 58 in FIG. 25).Consequently, the user can select a template again and do printing.

Although in the present embodiment, the composite image synthesized onthe template is only printed, image data representing the compositeimage may be recorded on the digital medium. In this case, when the userbrings the digital medium as the input medium, the image data may berecorded on the brought digital medium, or may be recorded on adifferent digital medium.

{circle around (3)} Termination of service using identification number

A service is terminated (closed) by the maintenance man using anidentification number in order to prevent the user from closing theservice freely.

When the section A₀₉ is touched by the finger of the maintenance man ina case where the general service screen shown in FIG. 35 is displayed onthe display device 33, the program proceeds to processing forterminating a service with use of an identification number. When thesection A₀₉ is touched by the finger of the maintenance man (YES in step146 shown in FIG. 23), an identification number entry screen shown inFIG. 57 is displayed on the display device 33 (step 153 in FIG. 26).

Referring to FIG. 57, sections A₀₅, A₀₆, A₀₇ and A₁₀, numeric keys 0 to1, a message for guiding an identification number to be entered aredisplayed on the identification number entry screen. Asterisks isdisplayed in the section A₀₅ in correspondence to the entry of theidentification number (step 154). When the section A₀₆ is touched by thefinger of the maintenance man, the entered identification number can becorrected. When the section A₀₇ is touched by the finger of themaintenance man, the entered identification number is fixed. When thesection A₁₀ is touched by the finger of the maintenance man, the servicetermination processing is stopped to return to the general servicescreen of FIG. 35.

When the identification number entered by the maintenance man coincideswith the identification number stored in the RAM 45 (YES in step 155),the service is terminated, whereby the start screen (FIG. 30) isdisplayed on the display device 33 (step 157). If the identificationnumber entered by the maintenance man does not coincide with theidentification number stored in the RAM 45 (NO in step 155), a messagethat the identification number is in error is displayed as shown in FIG.34 on the display screen of the display device 33 (step 156). When theidentification number entered by the maintenance man is in errorcontinuously a plurality of times, the identification number isinhibited from being entered.

{circle around (4)} Details of image synthesis processing

FIGS. 28 and 29 are flow charts showing the detailed procedure for theimage synthesis processing, which corresponds to the processing in thestep 65 shown in FIG. 27.

When a template image is specified by the user in the above-mentionedmanner (step 58 in FIG. 25 to step 64 in FIG. 27), template image datafor image display representing the specified template image and templateimage data for printing corresponding to the template image data forimage display are respectively read out from the hard disk. The templateimage data for image display and the template image data for printingwhich are read out are fed to the image memory 35, and are storedtherein once. The template image data for printing is read out from theimage memory 35, and is fed to the enlarging and reducing circuit 44.Since the template image data for printing stored in the hard disk iscompressed, the data is expanded (decompressed) in the enlarging andreducing circuit 44 (step 81). The expanded template image data forprinting is fed to the image memory 35 again and is stored therein.

Mask image data for image display and mask image data for printing whichrespectively correspond to the template image data for image display andthe template image data for printing which are read out from the harddisk are read out from the hard disk. Since the mask image data forprinting is also compressed, the data is expanded in the enlarging andreducing circuit 44 (step 82). The enlarged mask image data for printingis also fed to the image memory 35 and is stored therein once.

Furthermore, synthesis information corresponding to the template imagespecified by the user is also read out from the hard disk, and is storedonce in the RAM 45 (step 83).

An image selection screen shown in FIG. 46 is then displayed on thedisplay device 33 (step 84). Areas A₆₂ and A₆₃ and sections A₁₀, A₁₃,A₁₄, A₁₅, A₁₆, A₆₁ and A₆₄ are displayed on the image selection screen.

Reduced images represented by reduced image data which are read out fromthe new photographic film brought by the user (which have been alreadystored in the hard disk as described above) are displayed as a list inthe area A₆₂. Specifically, all the images recorded on the newphotographic film are read out, and image data representing the imagesread out are fed to the enlarging and reducing circuit 44, so that theimage data are subjected to reduction processing, to obtain reducedimages. Image data representing the reduced images are previously storedin the hard disk. Since the reduced image data representing the reducedimages are previously stored in the hard disk, the reduced image dataare read out from the hard disk, fed to the display device 33, anddisplayed in the area A₆₂. When the user touches the desired reducedimages out of the reduced images displayed in the area A₆₂, images to besynthesized on the template image are selected. The images selected bythe user are displayed in the area A₆₃.

Since the number of subject images which can be synthesized on thetemplate image is predetermined in accordance with the type of template(see FIG. 44), the user can select the subject images, the number ofwhich corresponds to the type. The number of frames which can beselected by the user is displayed in the section A64.

The sections A₁₅ and A₁₆ are sections touched by the user when all theimages recorded on the new photographic film cannot be displayed in thearea A₆₂ because the number of the images is large. When the section A₁₅or A₁₆ is touched, the reduced images displayed in the area A₆₂ arechanged. When the images to be displayed on the template image (imagesfor three frames in the present embodiment) are selected by the user,the section A₁₃ is touched by the user. Consequently, the subject imagesto be synthesized on the template image are determined. When the desiredimages are contained in a cartridge of a new photographic film otherthan the new photographic film mounted in the cartridge container 355 ofthe scanner 42, the section A₁₄ is touched by the user.

When the section A₁₃ is touched by the user, the display screen of thedisplay device 33 is switched to an inlaying screen as shown in FIG. 47(step 89). Areas A₇₁, A₇₂, A₇₃, A₇₄ and A₇₅ and sections A₁₀, A₁₃ andA₆₁ are displayed on the inlaying screen.

Sections for adjusting the size of a subject image to be synthesized ona template image are displayed in the area A₇₁. When the user touchesone of the sections in the area A₇₁, the size of the subject image isincreased or decreased. Sections for defining the angular relationshipbetween the subject image to be synthesized on the template image andthe template image are displayed in the area A₇₂. When the user touchesone of the sections in the area A₇₂, the subject image is rotated at adesired angle. Sections for adjusting the positional relationshipbetween the subject image to be synthesized on the template image and asynthesis area on the template image are displayed in the area A₇₃. Whenthe user touches one of the sections in the area A₇₃, the subject imageis moved upward, downward, leftward or rightward. The reduced imagesselected in FIG. 46 (steps 85 to 87) are displayed in the area A₇₄. Thetemplate image selected by the user is displayed in the area A₇₅. Thetemplate image data for image display stored in the image memory 35 isused for displaying the template image in the area A₇₅. Since thetemplate image data for image display and the mask image data for imagedisplay have resolution previously defined for image display, noreduction or enlargement processing of images is required to display theimage on the display device. Therefore, quick display is made possible.It goes without saying that the enlargement or reduction processing maybe performed.

A subject image for the first frame which is synthesized on the templateimage out of the subject images displayed in the area A₇₄ is selected bythe user. This selection is made by the user touching the imagedisplayed in the area A₇₄ (step 90). When the selection of the image forthe first frame is made, the message displayed on the screen is changedas shown in FIG. 48, whereby the position of an area where the selectedsubject image is to be synthesized is designated. The designation of theposition is achieved by the user touching the desired synthesis area onthe displayed template image. When the position is designated, theadjustment of the size, the adjustment of the angle (the angle ofrotation), and the alignment of the subject image to be synthesized onthe template image are carried out utilizing the sections in the areasA₇₁, A₇₂ and SA₇₃ if required (steps 91 and 92). Upon completion ofthese processings, the display screen of the display device 33 ischanged to as shown in FIG. 49. The subject image selected by the useris displayed in the desired synthesis area on the template image.Further, information relating to the designation of the position, theadjustment of the size, the adjustment of the angle (the angle ofrotation) and the alignment which are carried out at this time arestored in the RAM 45 in correspondence to the selected image.

Images for the second and third frames are selected, and are synthesizedon the template image, similarly to the image for the first frameselected and synthesized on the template image (steps 93 to 97, FIGS. 49and 50). Information relating to the designation of the position, theadjustment of the size, the adjustment of the angle (the angle ofrotation) and the alignment are also stored in the RAM 45 incorrespondence to the selected images with respect to the images for thesecond and third frames, similarly to the image for the first frame.

As described in the foregoing, the image synthesis on the display screenof the display device 33 is completed (see FIG. 51).

Image synthesis for printing will be subsequently described.

FIG. 58 illustrates one example of an image recorded on the newphotographic film brought by the user. FIGS. 59a, 59 b and 59 cillustrate examples of images used in the image synthesis for printing.FIG. 60 illustrates an example of a composite image printed.

In the image synthesis for printing, subject images selected in theimage synthesis on the display screen of the display device 33 (steps 85to 87 in FIG. 28) out of images recorded on the new photographic filmbrought by the user are read from the new photographic film by thescanner 42, and image data representing the images are stored in theimage memory 35 (step 101). IX information recorded on the newphotographic film is used in order to determine which image should beread. Specifically, an image having the IX information for specifying areduced image selected by the user is read out from the new photographicfilm. In a case other than the new photographic film, images will beselected and synthesized on a screen, and a composite image will beprinted one frame at a time.

The size of the subject image represented by the image data stored inthe image memory 35 does not generally coincide with the size of thetemplate image represented by the template image data for printing.Therefore, the subject image is re-sized based on the informationrelating to the adjustment of the size and the adjustment of the angle(the angle of rotation) obtained in the image synthesis on the displayscreen of the display device 33 so that the size thereof coincides withthe size of the template image for printing (step 102). The subjectimage after the re-sizing is illustrated in FIG. 59a.

The range of an image to be synthesized on the template image is thendetermined by referring to the information relating to the adjustment ofthe size and the adjustment of the angle (the angle of rotation)obtained in the image synthesis on the display screen of the displaydevice 33 or a synthesis definition range S_(y). The range of the imageto be synthesized is indicated by a broken line with respect to theimage shown in FIG. 59b. When the size of the range is smaller than thesize of the synthesis definition range S_(y) defined by a mask image, awhite edge, a black edge or the like is formed in a composite image. Therange of the image is so determined that the size thereof is equal tothe size of the synthesis definition range S_(y) (they coincide witheach other in the example of FIGS. 59b and 59 c), so that a white edge,a black edge or the like can be prevented from being formed in thecomposite image.

A portion of the range of the subject image to be synthesized asindicated by the broken line (the synthesis definition range S_(y)) isextracted as shown in FIG. 59c (step 103). Image synthesis processing isperformed on the basis of the designation of the position and theinformation relating to the alignment which are obtained in the imagesynthesis on the display screen of the display device 33.

The image synthesis processing for printing is performed for the firstframe to the third frame, whereby a composite image as shown in FIG. 60is printed. At the time of the printing, the template image data forprinting and the mask image data for printing which have high resolutionare used, whereby a high-quality composite image can be printed. Datarepresenting the composite image may be stored in the hard disk, thefloppy disk, or the like. Consequently, the data representing thecomposite image is read out again, whereby the composite image can beobtained again relatively simply. Data representing the composite imageto be recorded may be either one of the composite image data forprinting and the composite image data for image display, or may be bothof them.

Furthermore, a title can be also added to the template image. At thistime, the title may be entered, or the title may be a title previouslydetermined. In either case, when the title is added to the templateimage, the position where the title is displayed, a font, and the likeare determined utilizing the information included in the synthesisinformation.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image synthesizer comprising: a template imagedata storage storing template image data representing a plurality oftemplate images which are different background images of a subject imageto be synthesized; a mask image data storage storing mask image datarepresenting a plurality of mask images corresponding to the pluralityof template images, wherein each of said plurality of mask images definea synthesis position and a size of a synthesis area of the subject imageto be synthesized on a template image; an image synthesis processordirecting the subject image to the synthesis position and area, definedby a corresponding one of said plurality of mask images, on the selectedtemplate to thereby produce a composite image; and an image mediumreader for reading a subject image recorded on a visible image mediumand outputting an image signal representing the subject image, saidsubject image signal outputted from said image medium reader being fedto said image synthesis processor.
 2. The image synthesizer according toclaim 1, further comprising an image memory for storing an image signal,and a DMA controller for DMA-transferring the subject image signaloutputted from said image medium reader to said image memory at atransfer speed which is not less than the output speed of the subjectimage signal outputted from the image medium reader.
 3. The imagesynthesizer according to claim 2, wherein said image medium readerfurther includes: a line sensor for reading the subject image-from saidvisible image medium and for outputting the subject image signal, and aconveying device for relatively conveying said visible image medium andsaid line sensor, the image synthesizer further comprising: a linesensor driver for controlling the output of said subject image signalfrom said line sensor, and a controller for controlling said conveyingdevice and said line sensor driver so that the transfer speed of thesubject image signal outputted from said line sensor is lower than thewrite speed of the subject image signal to said image memory.
 4. Theimage synthesizer according to claim 1, wherein said image medium readeris a film scanner for reading a photographic film with an informationrecording portion, said scanner reading at least one of magneticallyrecorded information on the film, optically recorded information on thefilm, and an image appearing on the film.
 5. The image synthesizeraccording to claim 1, wherein said visible image medium is a developedfilm which is accommodated in a cartridge so as to be capable of beingdrawn out, wherein said image medium reader further includes: acartridge container for containing said cartridge, a cover provided onsaid cartridge container, a containment detector for detecting that saidcartridge is contained in said cartridge container, a cover controllerfor closing said cover in response to said detection, and a film drawingdevice for drawing said film out of said cartridge in response to theclosing of said cover by said cover controller, and wherein said imagemedium reader reads said image for each frame, and reads informationfrom said drawn out film.
 6. An image synthesizer comprising: a templateimage data storage storing template image data representing a pluralityof template images which are different background images of a subjectimage to be synthesized; a mask image data storage storing mask imagedata representing a plurality of mask images corresponding to theplurality of template images, wherein each of said plurality of maskimages define a synthesis position and a size of a synthesis area of thesubject image to be synthesized on a template image; an image synthesisprocessor directing the subject image to the synthesis position andarea, defined by a corresponding one of said plurality of mask images,on the selected template to thereby produce a composite image; and animage reader for reading a subject image recorded on a visible imagemedium and outputting an image signal representing the subject image togenerate subject image data to be fed to said image synthesis processor,wherein the template image data storage, the mask image data storage,the image synthesis processor and the image reader are contained in asingle housing.
 7. The image synthesizer according to claim 6, whereinsaid image reader is contained in a case and is formed as a unit, andincludes a first connector, wherein said housing comprises a recess forcontaining said case, with a second connector being provided in therecess, and wherein said case is contained in said recess of saidhousing so as to be attachable and detachable, with said first connectorand said second connector being connected to each other so as to beattachable and detachable.
 8. The image synthesizer according to claim7, wherein a cover for closing said recess is attached to said housingso as to be attachable and detachable.
 9. The image synthesizeraccording to claim 6, wherein said image medium reader is a film scannerfor reading a photographic film with an information recording portion,said scanner reading at least one of magnetically recorded informationon the film, optically recorded information on the film, and an imageappearing on the film.
 10. The image synthesizer according to claim 6,wherein said image reader is a film scanner for reading a photographicfilm accommodated in a cartridge so as to be capable of drawing out animage appearing on the photographic film and outputting an image signalrepresenting the image, the image synthesizer further comprising adisplay device for displaying the image represented by the image signaloutputted from said film scanner, and said film scanner includes: acontaining recess for containing the cartridge, a first cover forclosing an opening of the containing recess, wherein an indication thatsaid first cover should be closed upon containing the cartridge in saidcontaining recess is displayed on said display device.
 11. The imagesynthesizer according to claim 10, further comprising: a second coverfor closing an opening, which is formed at a position corresponding tosaid containing recess, wherein an indication relating to the opening orclosing of the second cover is displayed on said display device.
 12. Theimage synthesizer according to claim 11, further comprising: a devicefor opening or closing said second cover, and an input device forentering a command relating to the opening or closing of the secondcover, wherein said second cover is actuated in response to the entry ofthe command from said input device after the indication of opening orclosing is displayed on said display device.
 13. An image processingapparatus having a housing, said housing including therein, a filmscanner for reading a photographic film accommodated in a cartridge soas to be capable of drawing out an image appearing on the photographicfilm and outputting an image signal representing the image, an imageprocessor for processing the image signal received from said imagereader in order to output a processed image signal, and a display devicefor displaying the image represented by the image signal outputted fromsaid film scanner, said film scanner including: a containing recess forcontaining the cartridge, a first cover for closing an opening of thecontaining recess, wherein an indication that said first cover should beclosed upon containing the cartridge in said containing recess isdisplayed on said display device.
 14. The image processing apparatusaccording to claim 13, further comprising: a second cover for closing anopening, which is formed at a position corresponding to said containingrecess, wherein an indication relating to the opening or closing of thesecond cover is displayed on said display device.
 15. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: a devicefor opening or closing said second cover, and an input device forentering a command relating to the opening or closing of the secondcover, wherein said second cover is actuated in response to the entry ofthe command from said input device after the indication of opening orclosing is displayed on said display device.
 16. An image processingapparatus having a housing, said housing including therein, an imagereader for reading an image recorded on a visible image medium to outputan image signal representing the read image, and an image processor forprocessing the image signal received from said image reader in order tooutput a processed image signal, wherein said visible image medium is adeveloped film which is accommodated in a cartridge so as to be capableof being drawn out, wherein said image medium reader further includes: acartridge container for containing said cartridge, a cover provided onsaid cartridge container, a containment detector for detecting that saidcartridge is contained in said cartridge container, a cover controllerfor closing said cover in response to said detection, and a film drawingdevice for drawing said film out of said cartridge in response to theclosing of said cover by said cover controller, and wherein said imagemedium reader reads said image for each frame, and reads informationfrom said drawn out film.